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By Stacy Grinsfelder
4.9
182182 ratings
The podcast currently has 149 episodes available.
In today's minisode, the final episode of Season 11, Stacy and Daniel wrap things up with a lively discussion about their renovation adventures, funny experiences, and plans for the upcoming ghost story episodes, arriving in October!
First, Stacy and Daniel kick off the episode by announcing that this is the last episode of the season, but there will be bonus ghost stories and a merch run in October. Listeners can submit their ghost stories via the contact form on the website.
Next, Daniel shares updates on his current renovation projects, including the painstaking work of stripping paint on his front porch and pouring a concrete slab at the duplex. He recounts his "brush with the law" involving a strict building inspector and the unexpected need for a permit, sparking a discussion on the challenges and frustrations that often accompany restoration work.
Then, They lighten the mood with a funny story involving a pair of neighborhood kids who mistook Daniel for the builder of his old house. This leads to a conversation about the endearing and hilarious things kids say. Daniel also talks about his visit to Prehistoric World, a unique attraction in Perry, NY. It brought some unexpected fun to his week.
Finally, Stacy and Daniel reflect on the juggling act of managing multiple projects and the importance of setting boundaries and priorities. They express their heartfelt gratitude to their listeners for their support throughout the season, ending on a high note with excitement for the ghost story episodes ahead.
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The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy and Daniel discuss practical solutions for damaged wood floors in a folk Victorian farmhouse and chat with preservation architect Christopher Brandt.
First, Stacy and Daniel offer some personal project updates, including the mad scramble to complete outdoor tasks before the cold weather arrives.
Then, During listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel explore the practicalities and aesthetics of refinishing and living with gappy wood floors. They discuss the historical accuracy of finishes and creative alternatives like passive restoration and painting, all while weighing the balance between preserving historical integrity and ensuring modern livability.
Next, they are joined by Christopher Brandt, a preservation architect at Bero Architecture in Rochester, New York. He discusses his passion for restoring old buildings, including his modest 1920s Tudor Revival. The conversation explores the unique history of his house as a master model home and the quest to balance preservation with personal style.
He shares his experiences in researching and documenting the history of his house, as well as the challenges and rewards of preserving its original features. Christopher also talks about his role on the Historic Preservation Commission and the effort to establish a National Register Historic District in their town. He highlights the importance of community support and the impact of historic preservation on the overall character and identity of a neighborhood.
Finally, Christopher discusses his work as an architect at Bero Architecture, specializing in historic preservation projects.
Mentioned in this Episode
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In today's minisode, Stacy offers an update on her house search in Utah. She and Daniel discuss their current real estate situations and future plans.
First, They begin by declaring their love for track shelving. They also recommend the podcast 'Beyond Reproach.'
Then, Stacy reflects on the shock value of Utah's high real estate prices and acknowledges her privileged position. She shares her desire to downsize and the challenges of finding a smaller house within her budget.
Next, Daniel explains his plans to UPsize by expanding his current home with a second floor primary suite.
Finally, they both emphasize the importance of living in a house that suits their needs and not constantly considering future buyers.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
In this episode of True Tales From Old Houses, Stacy is wrapping things up at Silver Lake and getting ready for a new sleeping porch project. Meanwhile, Daniel is busy turning a dining room closet into a masterpiece—because even closets deserve a little love.
Then, during listener Q&A, Stacy offers a happy follow-up from a previous question about exterior painting before weighing in on a kitchen remodel quandary—When it comes to cabinets and floors, is it better to level everything perfectly or embrace the tilt?
Finally, history buff and DIY enthusiast Tux Loerzel stops by to chat about his big move from Brooklyn to Detroit and the ongoing adventure of restoring his historic duplex. From swoopy arches to textured yellow bricks, Tux’s home is full of surprises—some delightful, some less so. But with a willingness to tackle anything, Tux gives us a peek into the challenges (and joys) of breathing new life into an old home.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In this conversation, Stacy and Daniel discuss their ongoing renovation projects.
First, Daniel talks about his plans to use beadboard in the guest room and the challenges of storing salvage materials.
Then, Stacy shares her experience renovating her sleeping porch and the serious structural issues she encountered during deconstruction.
Finally, they discuss their mutual love for Michigan and the unique houses Daniel visited there recently. The conversation ends with a reflection on milestone "housiversaries" (anniversaries) and the progress of their renovation projects.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week's episode begins with the big announcement that Daniel is no longer the owner of Bluestone Cottage. The sale has been finalized.
Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about career paths in historic preservation that don't require a master's degree. With the help of Caitlin Meives, Director of Preservation with the Preservation League of New York State, they discuss the importance of networking and volunteering and the availability of webinars and certificate programs. They also suggest reaching out to local preservation nonprofits and organizations to gain experience and make connections.
Later Stacy and Daniel chat with Kate Wood, a historic rehabilitation strategist. She discusses her work in helping homeowners preserve and restore their historic properties. Kate explains how she helps clients identify what is worth preserving in their homes and navigate the rehabilitation process. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to understand the unique character and needs of each property and advises against rushing renovations. Kate also shares her experience in historic preservation advocacy and offers advice for those interested in the field.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel discuss Daniel's recent visit to Lilydale, a spiritualist community in Western New York, and they go over some new project plans.
First, Stacy offers a follow-up on the ivy discussion from episode #140. A landscape architect from Los Angeles reached out to provide another convincing argument in favor of removing ivy from homes and buildings.
Then, Daniel discusses his recent trip to Lilydale, where he received a free reading by a medium. Some of her thoughts were way off base, but when she predicted he had recently finished a project and would be "surrounded by money," his only thought was yes, please!
Finally, Stacy outlines the basics of her new plan to stabilize and beautify the sleeping porch off the primary bedroom. It is currently a safety hazard, and she has enlisted a contractor to bid on basic framing and rot repair.
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week's episode begins with a quick cottage update from Daniel, including his plans to sell the leftover staging furniture and decor.
Then, Stacy and Daniel answer a listener question about the best materials for repiping a house. They discuss the pros and cons of PVC, copper, and PEX pipes and provide tips for choosing the right material.
Later, they chat with Christina Salway, an interior designer and home renovator. She describes how she and her husband have renovated multiple houses, starting with a small cottage in upstate New York, and how each project has been a learning experience.
Finally, Christina shares her experience of buying and renovating a very old house in France. She talks about how she found the property, the challenges of the buying process, and the differences in renovating a house in a foreign country. She also discusses the community's reaction to the project and the joy of taking a more relaxed approach to renovation.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
In this episode, Stacy and Daniel revisit some previous conversations and swap stories about unexpected basement floods and a wild weather emergency.
First, Daniel offers an update about a special Kingston City Land Bank house and shares a podcast episode about the Halifax explosion.
Next, Stacy talks about a basement flood caused by a clogged sewer line, while Daniel describes his experience with water in the basement due to a cistern.
Then, Stacy details her experience with a (very real) recent tornado warning and her family's lack of emergency preparedness.
Finally, Daniel shares a heartwarming story about a gift from a follower who passed away.
This conversation highlights the challenges and surprises that come with owning and maintaining old houses.
Mentioned in this Episode
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
This week's episode begins with a book giveaway reminder and quick project updates from Stacy and Daniel.
Then, during Listener Q&A, Stacy and Daniel address the impact of ivy on old houses. They discuss the different types of ivy and their potential impact on the house, including trapping moisture, damaging mortar, and providing a pathway for pests.
Later, they chat with Pat Evans, the registrar for the art collection at the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. Pat discusses the process of deep cleaning and caring for historic homes like Taliesin West. The site, built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1930s, is an active community with multiple buildings and cottages. Pat provides practical tips for caring for artwork and collections, such as storing them properly and protecting them from dust and light. She also shares her personal attachment to objects and the value of preserving them for future generations. The conversation touches on Frank Lloyd Wright's influence and his connection to Japanese architecture.
Finally, Pat highlights the ongoing work at Taliesin West and the organization's commitment to advancing how we build and live.
Mentioned in this Episode:
WE LOVE OUR SPONSORS
The Window Course from Scott Sidler of The Craftsman Blog - For 10% off The Window Course, use the coupon code truetales.
Sutherland Welles - Maker of exceptional polymerized tung oil finishes since 1965. To save 10% on your first order, use the coupon code truetales.
Abatron - Manufacturer of WoodEpox and LiquidWood, perfect for wood rot repair. Use the coupon code true2024 to save 10% off your order from Abatron.com.
Noonan Heritage Craftworks - Learn how Noonan Heritage Craftworks can help you with your exterior project using traditional materials. Schedule a phone call, video conference, or email consultation with Joseph Parente today.
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